how do i get child support without a lawyer in washington state

If you cannot get a lawyer, you can try filing the papers yourself. Some volunteer lawyer programs have classes to teach you how to do a child support modification in court. You can also ask DCS to file a modification action on your behalf.

Full Answer

How do I get child support in Washington State?

How can I get child support? The Division of Child Support (DCS) can set and collect child support for children in Washington state (or when the responsible parent is in Washington state). DCS can only order support if a judge has not already ordered it in court. You can also get child support through the courts.

Who enforces child support laws in the state of Washington?

The official child support enforcement agency for the State of Washington is the Division of Child Support (DCS). The Washington Division of Child Support is required by federal law to provide child support enforcement services free of charge and is funded by the federal government and the State of Washington.

What is the Statute of limitations on child support in Washington?

10 years after emancipation of youngest child for orders entered after 7/22/89; 10 years after a payment becomes delinquent for orders entered before 7/23/89. The statute of limitations for establishing paternity in the State of Washington is the age of majority of the child. Generally, 18 years old.

How are child support and visitation determined in Washington State?

The Washington State Child Support Worksheet is the typical starting place for determining support. Child support and visitation rights are separate issues. The court determines both and will usually order the non-custodial parent to pay support and the custodial parent to make the child available for visits.

What is the minimum child support in Washington state?

$50 per monthThe minimum amount of support is $50 per month. The maximum is 45% of a parent's net income, unless there is some good reason – such as substantial wealth – for that percentage to increase.

Do you have to pay child support if you have 50/50 custody in Washington state?

They may assume that since they equally share the parenting, neither would owe any child support to the other. That, however, is generally not the case. Washington child support law works on the assumption that child support is paid to the parent who has the children the majority of the time.

What is Washington State Support Registry?

Washington State Support Registry (WSSR) WSSR handles intake of new referrals, receipt and disbursement of payments, locate-only services and interstate communications with other states' child support agencies. Correspondence and/or payments should be directed to the appropriate addresses below.

What happens if you don't pay child support Washington?

A child support order in Washington is a legal obligation. If the non-custodial parent doesn't pay, he or she can be held in contempt and fined or sent to jail. Also, his or her license may be suspended and any professional license.

What is average child support in Washington?

Washington State uses a child support formula to determine the base monthly child support amount. The factors include the number of children, their ages, and the incomes of the parents. Depending on the variables plugged into the formula, the base child support payment will be anywhere from $200 up to $3,500 per month.

Can you waive child support in Washington State?

In Washington, the child support laws presume both parents owe support to their minor children. Although parents can agree to waive child support, the court must approve the agreement, but this rarely occurs.

How long does a father have to establish paternity in Washington state?

For parents If you sign within five days of your child's birth, you will not need to pay a fee to file the acknowledgment form. If you do not sign at the hospital, you may obtain the Acknowledgment of Parentage form at your local county health department or any Division of Child Support (DCS) office.

Do I legally have to pay child support?

Parents have a legal responsibility to provide financially for their children even if they no longer live with them. When child maintenance is paid it can make a significant difference to the lives of families.

Does child support automatically stop at 18 in Washington state?

Typically, Washington State child support lasts until the child turns 18 years old, or until the child graduates from high school. The child, however, should have graduated before s/he reaches the age of 19 years.

How long can you go without paying child support in Washington?

10 yearsThere is a time limit to collect child support arrears in Washington, which gives you 10 years past the date that your youngest child turns 18.

What is back child support?

Legally known as arrearage, back child support is any past-due, unpaid child support payment. An obligated parent who owes back child support is considered “in arrears.”

What state has the cheapest child support?

Child support payments vary wildly from state to stateThe Northeast has highest child support payments, while Rocky Mountain states are the lowest.Child support is $100 more in states that don't consider a mother's income.Mississippi, North Dakota and Texas still don't compute mothers' income into their calculations.